Grace Ofure Ibhakhomu is one of Nigeria's most inspiring business leaders, proving that humble beginnings do not have to determine how far a person can go. From selling second-hand clothes, popularly known as okrika, in open markets to becoming a major name in real estate and wealth creation, her journey is one built on determination, learning and strategic thinking.
Born in Ekpoma, Edo State, Grace Ofure studied Business Administration at Ambrose Alli University and later attended the Owner Manager Programme at Lagos Business School. However, her journey into business did not begin in a boardroom. It began in the marketplace.
After graduating from university, she started selling second-hand clothes to make a living. In 2003, her path took a new turn when she was introduced to the real estate industry by a former classmate who became her mentor. She began learning about property and investment, gradually building the knowledge and experience that would later shape her career.
Today, Grace Ofure is widely known as the Founder and CEO of Lifecard International Investment Limited, a real estate investment and development company. Through the company, she has built a career around property development, investment advisory and helping individuals understand how to build and sustain wealth. Her work has also expanded beyond Nigeria, giving her a growing presence in the international real estate space.
But Grace Ofure's impact goes beyond selling properties. She is also the founder of Lifecard University, an online learning platform created to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate professionals with practical knowledge about business, investment and wealth creation. She has consistently used coaching, mentoring and public speaking to encourage people, particularly young people and women, to think beyond earning money and begin learning how to build sustainable wealth.
She is also the founder of the Limitless Woman Community, a platform focused on empowering women to overcome barriers and build successful careers and businesses. Her work in this area has made her a strong voice for women's economic empowerment, particularly in industries where women have traditionally faced significant challenges.
In recent years, Grace Ofure has continued to push beyond traditional real estate. In 2025, reports highlighted the expansion of her work into real estate technology through Lifecard Technologies Offshore in Dubai and the launch of PlatinumInvest, a platform designed to make real estate investment more accessible to everyday investors. The move reflected her growing interest in using technology to widen access to wealth-building opportunities.
Away from business, Grace Ofure has also invested in philanthropy through the Grace Ofure Foundation and other social initiatives supporting women, young people and vulnerable communities. Her interventions have included empowerment programmes and humanitarian support, reflecting her belief that success should also create opportunities for others.
Grace Ofure's story stands out because it is a story of transformation. She did not begin with a large company, inherited wealth or a ready-made path to success. She started from the marketplace, embraced mentorship, acquired knowledge and gradually built a business career that now stretches across real estate, education, technology, wealth coaching and philanthropy.
For many young Africans trying to find their footing, her journey is a reminder that where you start does not have to be where you finish. With the right knowledge, persistence, strategic decisions and willingness to keep learning, it is possible to build something far greater than the circumstances you started with.
Grace Ofure is building businesses, creating platforms for learning and helping more people understand the possibilities of wealth creation. From selling okrika to becoming a recognised force in real estate and investment, she has carved out a journey that deserves to be told and celebrated.
Grace Ofure is our African Giant of the Week.
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